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Mobile, Ala. – Austal USA was awarded a $326 million contract for the 11th and 12th Expeditionary Fast Transport ships (EPF) by the U.S. Navy late yesterday.

This new contract supplements the 2008 fully-funded EPF 10-ship block-buy agreement bringing Austal’s current build to a 12 ship program valued at $1.9 billion. These ships grow Austal’s order book, extending the company’s production under contract into 2022.

“We’re excited by not only the U.S. Navy’s commitment to this program but also by the number of diverse missions our delivered EPF ships continue to execute,” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said. “These ships were designed to be a force multiplier and to bring a unique capability to the fleet ̶ they’re doing just that. The possible uses of the EPF are endless.”

The EPF’s large, open-mission deck and large habitability spaces provide the opportunity to conduct a wide range of missions from engagement and humanitarian assistance to disaster relief, and from maritime security support operations, to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Expeditionary Fast Transport ships are performing valuable missions all over the world.

With a draft of only 13 feet and a unique propulsion system, its ability to access austere and degraded ports with minimal external assistance provides an overabundance of options to fleet and combatant commanders. Along with its draft, propulsion system, enormous mission bay and greater-than 40 knot speed, these ships have the potential to support future requirements in special operations, command and control, and medical support operations.

Austal USA’s EPF program is strong with seven ships delivered and three more under construction at its headquarters and ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the work the Austal team has put into making this program what it is today,” Perciavalle said. “We have a tremendous amount of momentum with the Navy and this program, and we’ll leverage that momentum as we continue to provide highly capable and cost-effective ships to our Great Navy.”